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Weird Rumor: 32GB Nexus 4 With CDMA and LTE to be Announced at Google I/O?

Rather than a Nexus 5 is there a chance that Google releases a new version of the Nexus 4 this summer? According to a new rumor that is making the rounds and appearing in our inbox far too often, this is the word on the dark, back alley, make-sure-you-have-a-tight-grip-on-your-purse, streets. The rumor is this – Google is going to release a new variant of the Nexus 4 with both CDMA and LTE radios inside, along with 32GB of storage. It’ll be unveiled at Google I/O in May. So, what do we think?

Well, first, Google seems to have made it clear at times that they aren’t fans of tying their Nexus devices to carriers. We all know from back in the days of Ice Cream Sandwich that their Android engineers spoke of having their minds blown over the carrier approval process for delaying what should be simple updates. But then again, Andy Rubin said after the launch of the Nexus 4 that they would “certainly have a desire to offer devices on every carrier on the planet.” His comments came during an explanation over the lack of LTE in the device and the idea that they didn’t want to use hybrid LTE networks along with older tech and dual-radios, since they diminish the user experience and battery life. So which is it? Do they hate carrier-tied devices or not? Or was Rubin speaking generally about having a device that works on all carriers, yet isn’t necessarily branded by them? Tough to tell.

This rumor does pose a couple of interesting points, though. The first being that Sprint received both of their Nexus devices (Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus) around April and May, long after the initial release of the same device. Should Google have figured out a way to toss in a CDMA/LTE radio inside one, launching on Sprint at Google I/O in May certainly matches up to previous time frames. Then again, Google has had to publicly state some of their frustrations with CDMA in general, as it is difficult to support in AOSP. Do they really want to go down that route again after all that we’ve been through? We’re talking withheld factory images, binaries, and updates for both Sprint and Verizon variants of Nexus devices, all of which run on CDMA networks.

The other part of this rumor mentions that we could see this version with 32GB of storage inside. As you all know, the current Nexus 4 only comes with 8GB or 16GB of storage, which in today’s smartphone era, isn’t necessarily enough thanks to massive pictures, HD video recordings, HD games, and movie downloads. One could fill up 8GB (since the system usually takes a couple of that to begin with) in no time without even trying. So, a 32GB version of the phone does make some sense.

We’re also acknowledging the idea that Google would likely release a new version of the Nexus 4 over a brand new Nexus 5 since the Nexus 4 is still only a couple of months old, makes a lot of sense. Google tends to launch new smartphones at their winter events, while saving the mid-year I/O conference for tablets and random media players that lack any functionality. Why not toss out a new version of the Nexus 4 to push sales until they can launch new hardware during the holidays?

We should point out that the folks at Android Centralmentioned the existence of a similar version of this device back in November of last year, stating that it could arrive by late Q1. Obviously, that didn’t happen. They later weighed in with the idea that we may not see this phone after all, even though they had heard that AT&T and Sprint versions were in testing, because news on either device had gone silent for months. At least that’s another supposed confirmation of the device’s existence, but at this point, not necessarily in a good way.

Keep in mind that we also saw a brief glimpse of a white Nexus 4, along with a matching white Bumper, yet have never seen either officially launch anywhere. Google does some head-scratching things more often than we can keep track of. I’ll just say this – a CDMA variant of the Nexus 4 makes little sense to me after seeing what has happened over the years with both Sprint and Verizon versions of Nexus phones. But then again, this is Google we are talking about.

It would be best if they just sold a CDMA version in the Play Store so you could use it with any CDMA Carrier that way the price Point wont change very much and it will insure you still get the Latest Updates.

Simon Belmont

I’m on Sprint and way back in October, I wanted a Nexus 4. Now, after the buzz and accepting one probably won’t arrive on Sprint, I’m not really as interested and would rather wait for the next fully new Nexus phone. I’m still plenty happy with my EVO 3D running CM10.1. It’s smooth as glass and battery efficient as all get out.

If they drop a Nexus 4 on Sprint in May, I’m not sure what I’d do. My upgrade is actually due in May and my wife is looking forward to a new phone as her OG EVO 4G is showing its age. I know the Snapdragon S4 Pro is no slouch, but at this point I’m looking forward to the Snapdragon 600-800 phones with higher resolution screens. Oh well, I guess “wait and see” will continue to be my mantra, for now.

edwoordd

If it comes a new Nexus 4 comes with LTE & comes to Verizon i’ll be buying it, i have to get rid of my Gnex if it does come out, though rockin it with paranoid android. All I can do is wait for now…

mario

Nexus 4 on Sprint ?! Please make this happen Google !

James Hill

Nexus 4S?

http://twitter.com/YourManAdrian [A]dri[A]n

If it’s gonna have LTE, they better throw in a bigger battery as well.

Good_Ole_Pinocchio

Google tends to launch new smartphones at their winter events, while saving the mid-year I/O conference for tablets and random media players that lack any functionality.

Lmfao…

PopeFrancis

GO BULLS!!!!

http://twitter.com/Skitz_Marz Skittlez

brooklyn will take them

Tim Buchanan

I still wouldn’t do it. 32Gb isn’t enough onboard storage, and “cloud” services don’t work for people who travel. Give me a beefy 64GB device please, and throw in a MAXX size battery while you’re at it.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10602828 Mike Hilal

Out of curiosity, what is it that you have on your device that’s filling up 32gb?

Tim Buchanan

I like to store all of my music locally. I use my phone as my primary media device and when I travel, or when I’m driving through a spot that doesn’t get coverage, it’s nice to have my tunes still play.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10602828 Mike Hilal

All the music. I see.

http://www.facebook.com/davidd.nguyenn David Nguyen

In addition, the Nexus 4 doesn’t actually come with 32gb is space when in actual use. Some of it is partitioned for the OS, so it leaves you roughly 28gb of storage? And I also like to store my music locally as well, and games these days are becoming more heavily on graphics, thus large game files. I need a larger storage or a expandable sd card.

http://www.kovdev.com/ kover

I can’t wait for the N42016 with the 16gb of ram.

Kyle Cordiano

Considering LTE i not around me yet, I will most likely not be upgrading my current Nexus 4 to this one.

lookatmyfunnyusername

And the award for most unnecessary comment goes to…..

http://twitter.com/kirilv Kiril

Just because it’s difficult and they don’t like it doesn’t mean that Google is not going to do it. That’s how business works. All of their competitors are doing it, so it would be silly for Google to just say no.

Tim242

I hope they improve the display. The Nexus 4 has the worst sensitivity and scrolling of any phone I’ve ever touched. The colors were a bit washed out as well.

MrWicket

+1 about the colors.. can’t comment about the sensitivity since I don’t own one.. yet.

Tim242

I tried two different Nexus 4’s. When you pinch out to zoom, it doesn’t move until your fingers are about 2 inches apart. The scrolling wasn’t great either.

MrWicket

bummer…

WarGasm

There are kernels that fix those issues

http://twitter.com/pcDroidski PCed

Isn’t Verizon planning to make an announcement shortly after Google IO? What if they announce the Nexus 4 as their first VOLTE phone? I’ll continue dreaming…

Justin Swanson

Wow… that’s a wonderful dream. Did you take something to achieve a dream of that level? If so, mind passing some my way?

Shane Redman

….I don’t appreciate the snide remark about the NexusQ at all, Sir Kellex…I still want one

MrWicket

I still want one too!

4n1m4L

Got two. Shame they didn’t go to production. They are a good show of what Google build quality. Q, Pixel, Glass.

DanWazz

I’d probably by one if it works on Verizon and is $350ish off contract.

Dan

Yup, quite likely for me too, although will probably wait for fall and Nexus 5.

coolsilver

I tweeted you guys last week about this. lol

MrWicket

I suppose they could do a LTE version that operates on all LTE freq so it can stay global. Slim chance it could be Verizon’s first VoLTE device, though that would indicate a exclusivity and I think Google would want to avoid that and I can’t see Verizon wanting it to be a temp exclusivity since VoLTE is the next big thing. I bet it’s rumor though and nothing more. I would only be mildly surprised though if we saw an updated N4 this soon because Google tends to update fast and often.

arthuruscg

Google could market it as the first mainstream VoLTE phone, not VZ’s first VoLTE phone. Since I have a grandfathered Unlimited plan, I would love to buy a phone that does not have VZ “Approval”.

MrWicket

true, they could just bypass the carriers all together, but would Verizon allow it to operate on it’s network if they were not in control and/or working on their own and want the glory? All rumors and speculation at this point I suppose, I am looking forward to hearing what’s new at I|O so that we can get ready for next years rumors.

arthuruscg

I wounder if we have not seen any major GVoice updates lately because Google is working on the back end for VoIP/VoLTE

MrWicket

I hope they’re working on something for Google Voice, related to this or not.

http://twitter.com/NotSoSiniSter Anthony Gomulka

I love how there is zero mention of Verizon in this article. I can only dream of getting another nexus device on their network. I guess I’ll be sticking to my gnex for several years.

dgarra

I thought we all knew this is for MetroPCS.

matt_helm

I wish they’d just add a SD card interface!

Tim242

SD cards are terrible.

rodney11ride

yeah im with you on this. why does anyone want to deal with an sd card? and dont tell me its to save stuff or take it out and use it in a computer. everything is cloud based now… why not have somebody else hold your crap… lol. I have had galaxy nexus since beginning and ive used 10gb of the 32… with another 5gb in dropbox and 20gb in Box for backups and document an music storage..

http://twitter.com/Milleniumlance LANCE

because we all have data caps, very low data caps…i learned the hard way trying to use the cloud…i used 3.7gb of my 4gb limit in a month…now i just have to watch my usage. if it was unlimited i would move completely to cloud only

rodney11ride

I understand you “all” have very low data caps except “me” lol. did i miss something here or what. why are people getting fooled into this data cap stuff? i mean priorities are different i guess. I would still be on the OG droid if i hadnt saved up enough money for a retail price phone. But my priorities are different. renewed contract with gnex…jan 2012… been dropping 20 into a jar a month for my next phone…. about what your paying for that 4gb. Wife doing the same for her year almost year old S3. how ever i pull 12-16gb a month in data so yeah… its my top priority. and yes i understand they could yank it any day but until then, upgrading to a “fancy” phone for 199 on new two year has got to be the biggest scam yet. unlimited data lost. lolol

dgarra

If they popped out with “Surprise! HTC is making our Nexus 4 LTE with CDMA!” I would be all over that. As it is, I’ll probably still be all over it with LG on board (meh), the N4 is awesome.

WickedToby741

It could be Pichai behind this (he seems to be buddy buddy with Verizon and the Chromebooks), but I’m still doubtful of this rumor. Unless they really want a Nexus on Sprint, I don’t see why they don’t just wait and launch a Nexus that can run on T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s GSM/LTE networks and solely on Verizon’s LTE. Then there’s no CDMA chip, no playing update games, and the purity of the Nexus is maintained. With Verizon’s LTE network blanketing everywhere they have 3G by the end of the year and VoLTE coming, I just don’t see the point in launching a CDMA Nexus unless they’re specifically targeting Sprint.

Tony Allen

If it could possibly be sold through Google Play, without contract, just like the GSM Nexus and could be activated on Verizon just like you can do with a GSM phone, by dropping the SIM card in, then I’m in for one just for s**ts and giggles. I have a feeling though, this rumor is just that.. a rumor.

http://profiles.google.com/booboolala2000 Patrick Crumpler

Being on Verizon I would hope this to be true. At the same time, my thoughts go to Motorola. Its X phone will probably be one step behind a nexus, but the build will be rock solid and up to date. So if Google does say anything at I/O in regards to the X phone then I will wait for it. If not the 4 would be a welcome addition as the radios in the GNEX are garbage. My iPhone regularly pulls down faster data speeds.

teevirus

Imagine a $200 off contract LTE capable Nexus 4 direct from Google. Keeping my unlimited data and getting a great phone. Verizon is only getting worse when it comes to contract terms. It Might be worth it.

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